By Eliane Portillo

The majority of the French see the New Year with a marked pessimism about the development of the economy and employment situation, according to a survey published on Monday.

The first survey for2012 shows that 55 percent of people considered the near future very difficult, which has been a growing appreciation in recent years.

A similar poll in January 2010 showed that 47 percent of people were pessimistic, while in 2009 the rate was 40 percent.

Regarding unemployment, nine of 10 respondents felt this is the country's main problem for 2012, due mainly to the poor condition of the national economy.

According to the survey conducted by the Harris Interactive institute, 70 percent of respondents believe that the creation of employment should be the priority of the leaders.

Other important issues are the preservation of the social system, especially in terms of guarantees for health care, education and retirement benefits.